Tips
How many paragraphs should there be and what should be in each one (what are the names of each paragraph)?
3-4 paragraphs:
first paragraph - introduction
Second paragraph - body
Third Paragraph - closing
Name 2 items you could include in your letter about the employer.
Name of the company, address, mission statement, postal code, the available position, the name of the hiring manager.
A _____________ is a greeting that goes on your _____________.
a. Letter, Resume
b. Smile, Shirt
c. Salutation, Cover letter
c. Salutation, Cover letter
What is a cover letter and what is its function?
A formal letter that goes with your resume, and it's used to introduce yourself to employers to convince them you're the right person for the job
Should you talk about how working for the company is going to add experience to your resume? Why?
No. You need to show how you're going to contribute to the company and not how the company is going to contribute to your career and help you grow.
Tell me two things that need to be done before writing your letter.
1. read the job advertisement carefully.
2. adapt your skills and competences to job requirements
Why is the cover letter different from a resume?
The cover letter is a pre-interview. It is used as an opportunity to make a first impression and add to a particular skill you briefly mentioned on your resume. A cover letter is your chance to explain how you could be of value to a company.
True or false: Body paragraphs do not need to include what you can do for the employer?
False
What size paper is suitable for a cover letter?
A4 29X31cm
In which part of the cover letter should you include the position you are applying for?
In the introduction. (first paragraph)
Why do you need to tailor the letter to the job?
This ensures that all your skills and experiences you highlight are CLEARLY connected to the job you're applying for
What would be the ideal way to address the cover letter? Why?
Address= the title of the person who is going to be reading the letter.
1. Address your cover letter to a specific manager/supervisor (using their name and full title) and make sure the spelling is correct 2. This shows the employer that you put effort into finding more about the company by calling or searching them up, implying that you are serious about the job
Are bullet points OK to use?
It would not be the end of the world to use bullet points, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
In a cover, what should you write for the date? The day you completed the letter or the day you hand it in?
The day you hand it in
Tell me two things you could include in the closing of your cover letter.
Signature, enclosure (reference to other attached documents), closing statement, such as Sincerely, Regards, Best. Appreciation (thank you), summary of your strengths. Request for an interview.
Why do you need to research about the company?
This shows your interest and seriousness about the job, and you can tailor your cover letter and REALLY show the employer you could be a good fit
List 3 objectives of a cover letter?
1. Introduce yourself, 2.identify which position you're applying for, 3. explain how you found out about the position 4. Explain with examples: how you're qualified for the position & why you're a good fit 5. Request for an interview & thank employer
To meet expectations, the body of the cover letter should contain ___________ that qualify you for the position. (list at least one)
Skills, education, experience
What is an enclosure?
It is a sentence written in the last paragraph used to indicate that you are including something else to your application, like your resume, letters of recommendation. (attached documents)
List three possible mistakes you can make when writing a cover letter.
1.Call someone by his or her first name on a resume. 2. Sounding desperate. 3. Grammar mistakes. 4. Abbreviations. Spell words out! 5. Do not inform them that you are only planning to be there for a short time this doesn’t look good for you. 6. Talk about how the company is going to help you gain experience 7. BAD ending. 8. missing information.
This is a very common problem in most letters. If you have this problem when writing, rearrange your sentences. For example, write "You can reach me...." instead of "I can be reached...." What's the problem?
Over-using the word "I". VERY redundant & irritating for employer to look at
5 items you need to include in the letter about yourself.
Name, address, city, postal code, telephone, and email, position you are applying for, reason for your interest in the company...
What are the two most important items that your introduction should contain?
The position that you're applying for and an introduction (talk about some past accomplishments or your current job position to introduce yourself) Remember, you don't need to mention your name.
Why do you not want to make your letter longer than a page and shorter than half a page?
If your letter is more than a page, you are circling around your points so keep it simple and to the point (you don't want the employer to snooze), but if it's less than half a page, it lacks detail and examples (little to no detail implies that you didn't put effort into it)
Tell me three 'don'ts' when writing a cover letter.
1. NO heading 2. Does not address the specific employer 3. TOO many I's! 4. Used bullet points in a traditional cover letter 5. Small errors = Employer will discard your application 6. Unprofessional ending. 7. not mention the position you're applying for. 8. More than one page